Compost Turner Buying Guide for 2023

What is a Compost Turner?

A compost turner is a machine that mixes and aerates compost, which is a mixture of organic matter such as food scraps, yard waste, and paper products that is broken down by microorganisms into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Compost turners can be used to speed up the composting process, improve the quality of the compost, and reduce the amount of space required for composting.

Types of Compost Turners

There are three main types of compost turners:

• Manual compost turners: These turners are operated by hand and are the most affordable option. They are suitable for small composting bins or piles.
• Electric compost turners: These turners are powered by electricity and are more expensive than manual turners. They are suitable for larger composting bins or piles and can be equipped with features such as automatic timers and temperature sensors.
• Tractor-powered compost turners: These turners are attached to a tractor and are the most expensive option. They are suitable for very large composting operations.

Benefits of Using a Compost Turner

There are many benefits to using a compost turner, including:

• Speeds up the composting process: Compost turners can mix and aerate compost more quickly and efficiently than by hand, which speeds up the composting process.
• Improves the quality of the compost: Compost turners help to create a more uniform and nutrient-rich compost by mixing the ingredients together and ensuring that they are properly aerated.
• Reduces the amount of space required for composting: Compost turners can help to reduce the amount of space required for composting by mixing the ingredients together and creating a more compact pile.
• Eliminates the need for hand-turning: Compost turners eliminate the need for hand-turning, which can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task.

How to Choose a Compost Turner

When choosing a compost turner, there are several factors to consider, including:

• The size of your composting bin or pile: The size of your composting bin or pile will determine the size of the compost turner you need.
• The type of materials you are composting: The type of materials you are composting will also determine the type of compost turner you need. For example, if you are composting a lot of heavy materials such as wood chips, you will need a more powerful compost turner.
• Your budget: Compost turners can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you can narrow down your options.

Tips for Using a Compost Turner

Here are a few tips for using a compost turner:

• Turn your compost regularly: Compost should be turned regularly to ensure that it is properly aerated and that the ingredients are mixed together. The frequency with which you need to turn your compost will depend on the type of materials you are composting and the size of your composting bin or pile.
• Don't over-turn your compost: Over-turning your compost can damage the microorganisms that are responsible for breaking down the organic matter. Turn your compost only as often as necessary to ensure that it is properly aerated and that the ingredients are mixed together.
• Use a compost thermometer: A compost thermometer can help you to monitor the temperature of your compost. The temperature of your compost should be between 130°F and 160°F. If the temperature of your compost is too low, the microorganisms that are responsible for breaking down the organic matter will not be able to work effectively. If the temperature of your compost is too high, the microorganisms may be killed.

Troubleshooting Compost Turner Problems

If you are having problems with your compost turner, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem:

• Check the power source: Make sure that the compost turner is properly plugged into an electrical outlet.
• Check the fuses: If the compost turner is not plugged into an electrical outlet, check the fuses to make sure that they are not blown.
• Check the motor: If the compost turner is plugged into an electrical outlet and the fuses are not blown, check the motor to make sure that it is not damaged.
• Check the gearbox: If the motor is not damaged, check the gearbox to make sure that it is not damaged.
• Check the bearings: If the gearbox is not damaged, check the bearings to make sure that they are not worn out.

Conclusion

Compost turners can be a valuable addition to any composting operation. They can speed up the composting process, improve the quality of the compost, and reduce the amount of space required for composting. When choosing a compost turner, it is important to consider the size of your composting bin or pile, the type of materials you are composting, and your budget.